Hi AllI might have an offer to buy a used Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM for around 750 USD. I don't yet have any usefull lens in that range, only the Sigma 400mm F5.6 APO Marco HSM which is not rechipped (and thus only with open aperture). The lens has a little dust inside and the hood mounting mechanism is broken, but the seller says it's optically in otherwise perfect condition.

What do you think? Shall I rather way for the successor of this lens or get it? I'm not really in a hurry to buy it, but I think it's a really nice offer.

I think that is a fair offer for the condition of the lens, but will you not be able to use a good at all, and can you live with that? especially since the lens is really good in day light... you might have light flares all over the place.

That's a good price, if you need a hood, you can get one that screws into the front threads, or get it fixed by Canon.

It does seem likely thaty the lens has been dropped and might have decentered elements, which can also be fixed at Canon.The one critical thing is the zoom. Loosen the zoom ring and verify that the lens zooms as smooth as glass. If it binds or is rough, the price to fix it will astound you, and it will soon lockup completely.

1/2 Price ex tax. If optimal sound it is a good offer. However, ask yourself as to why the seller want's to get rid of it.

I've sold about a hundred lenses in the past few years. most of them are new, but some are used and are in excellent condition. sometimes I sell a lens on accident... like right now I kinda miss having a 50mm.

normally though, I am replacing a lens with an upgrade of some sort, but there are plenty of reasons to sell good quality/ condition gear.

agreed. Canon loves to over charge for new and improved gear. I don't mind because I'm willing to wait till the price comes down a touch. but I think there is quite a line of people who would live a better performing 100-400.

agreed. Canon loves to over charge for new and improved gear. I don't mind because I'm willing to wait till the price comes down a touch. but I think there is quite a line of people who would live a better performing 100-400.

I might not be one of them. I'm aiming for 400mm f2.8 IS II + x1.4 & x2 TC III. The goal is mid or end of 2014.

agreed. Canon loves to over charge for new and improved gear. I don't mind because I'm willing to wait till the price comes down a touch. but I think there is quite a line of people who would live a better performing 100-400.

I might not be one of them. I'm aiming for 400mm f2.8 IS II + x1.4 & x2 TC III. The goal is mid or end of 2014.

This could be the last puzzle here

I presume you've started hitting the gym already or have a couple of Sherpas at hand? The lens is awesome but it kills you with its weight if you need to shoot handheld

Why not get the 500 / 600mm f.4?

Logged

I took a hiatus from CR for a year and a half. The discussions haven't changed much. Excellent information is still being shared while people bitching about Canon cameras are still bitching and haven't moved on to Sony